Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Structo Artcraft 240/4

I recently purchased this little cutie on eBay. It's a Structo Artcraft 240/4 (4-harness). It's 15 inches long x 10-1/2 inches wide x 13 high and has a maximum weaving width of 8". The loom came with a 15-dent reed. If the reed is slayed two threads per dent (for a sett of 30 ends per inch) the loom could accommodate 240 warp ends.

The Structo Artcraft loom was originally produced by the Structo Manufacturing Company of Freeport, Illinos. The company was started in 1908 and was the producer of metal toys. In 1921 they began producing toy weaving looms. Later, the toy looms were discontinued and actual standard weaving looms were made. The looms were manufactured until 1972 when the loom business was sold to the Dick Blick Company who continued manufacturing the looms until 1981 when they decided to take them out of production. Dick Blick still holds the manufacturing rights to the loom.

The Structo Artcraft looms were sold through retail outlets as well as mail order. They manufactured both pressed steel and wooden looms. In 1930 Mary Meigs Atwater wrote "Manual of Instructions for the Structo Artcraft Looms: Nos. 240, 420, 600". Atwater sold the loom through her Shuttle-Craft Guild mail order business.

The looms were popular workshop looms and for weaving samplers. For more information visit this website or join the Yahoo group all_things_structo.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a little cutie, and in such great condition! Thanks for clarifying the bit about the toy looms. I can't imagine letting children play with these looms, with all the sharp points and edges! Amazing little loom!

Anonymous said...

That looks like it's in great condition- congratulations.
I found one of these last fall in a neighborhood antique shop. I finally went back and got it and they are really fun. Wonderful for sampling and it's been great since I tore up my knee and cant push on treadles for the time being.
Kimmen

Unknown said...

yeah, we definitely need you at all_things_structo (see my comment on your 600 restoration!)if you aren't there already. I will check my membership list.
Nancy C.

TheGardener said...

Hi, My mother has one that is not in as good condition and she is wanting to sell it because she has never used it. Can you tell me how much you paid for you

Unknown said...

The Yahoo Group has gone because the Admin passed away. I really need a manual. Any ideas?

Unknown said...

Hi...I have one of these looms and would like how much it's honestly wort...trying to sellit.

Unknown said...

Please contact me after you see this

Unknown said...

Hi teeri i was given a strutco loom and would like to sell it but i dont know if it works or. Not and l see theres afollowing...could you helpme out..im looking to sell it on ebay.

Unknown said...

Hi teeri i was given a strutco loom and would like to sell it but i dont know if it works or. Not and l see theres afollowing...could you helpme out..im looking to sell it on ebay.

hjemmet said...

I am a production weaver at Crossnore Weavers in Crossnore NC founded in 1920. Have wanted a Structo loom for years and just bought one in our thrift store for $100. I would love to identify what the model is and possible year of manufacture. This loom is black metal with a teal colored label on the tall piece. Does not have a model number. It is taller than those pictured in most photos I've seen of the toy one, and I do think this might be a fairly early toy loom. It is 4 harness with 30 heddles per harness. 12 3/4 " long, 13 inches tall, 5 1/2 inches wide. It is warped with perle cotton in a fifteen dent reed. Some kind person mounted it onto a board so it might be easier to clamp down for stability while weaving. I am overjoyed to have it and will deeply appreciate any information you might share. I certainly intend to try to weave on it! I'm not very skilled at using my cell phone for photos or I would attach one.
Many thanks,
Ellie Hjemmet